How Oregon Handles Camera-Based Traffic Tickets

Oregon treats camera tickets as valid, and the state allows police departments to utilize red light camera enforcement programs and speed camera enforcement programs to enforce local traffic laws. The standard penalty for running a red light in Oregon, which would fall under failure to obey a traffic control device, is $265, one of the highest fines in the nation. Motorists have several options to deal with a camera ticket, including paying the fine, fighting the ticket in court, or enrolling in a traffic safety course.

Fines for camera tickets in Oregon can be up to $265

If you believe you've received a red light camera citation in error, you can consider challenging the ticket. One in four tickets is issued in error, and only 5% of drivers contest them. For example, if you stopped at a red light just before a crosswalk and the camera was triggered, or if you were already turning through an intersection while a light turned red and the footage can demonstrate you couldn't have safely stopped, it might be worth contesting your ticket.

If you think you've been accidentally cited for running a red light, gather evidence and don't be afraid to challenge the ticket. While it may be more expensive to hire an attorney rather than pay the ticket, it could save you from a mark on your driving record and increased car insurance premiums.

The exact procedure to pay your red light ticket may vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction where your violation took place in Oregon. Typically, motorists have several options to pay a traffic ticket. Check the back of your citation for the directions associated with each method to pay your fine. If you have any questions regarding payment, contact the court handling your case. If you're eligible, the system will automatically guide you through requesting an online fine reduction.

Keep in mind that in Oregon, driving through an intersection on a yellow light is considered a violation if you could have safely stopped before reaching it.

You can fight a camera ticket in court or pay the fine

If you have received a camera ticket in Oregon, you have a few options. You can either fight the ticket in court or pay the fine.

Fighting the ticket in court

If you wish to fight the ticket in court, you may do so by submitting a "certificate of innocence" within 30 days of receiving the ticket. This certificate must include a statement swearing or affirming that you were not the driver of the vehicle, along with a photocopy of your driver's license. The court must dismiss the ticket without requiring a court appearance if this certificate is submitted. However, it is important to note that the certificate can only be submitted once and may not be used in response to a reissued citation.

Paying the fine

If you choose to pay the fine, you have a few options for doing so. You can either pay online, by mail, or in person at a court office. When paying online or by mail, be sure to follow the instructions provided on the citation. If you pay in person, you will need to bring the citation and payment to the court office. It is important to pay the fine before the due date to avoid additional penalties or consequences.

Other options

In some cases, you may have the option to take a diversion class to keep the points off your record. This option may be available if you have a clean driving record and the violation is minor. You can check with the court that issued your ticket to see if this is an option for you.

Camera tickets are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle

In Seattle, camera tickets are processed like parking tickets and do not appear on the state driving record. However, unpaid tickets may result in a hold on vehicle registration. Registered owners can view pictures and videos of the alleged violation online or at a public computer in locations such as the Seattle Public Library and the Seattle Municipal Court lobby.

Nassau County, New York, also mails camera tickets to the registered owner of the vehicle. Registered owners can review the Notice of Liability (NOL) online and pay the fine or request a hearing if they believe the NOL was issued in error. Failure to respond to the NOL can result in additional fines, fees, and other consequences such as referral to a collection agency, booting or towing of the vehicle, and inability to re-register the vehicle.

Photo radar citations require a uniformed police officer and marked police vehicle

In Oregon, photo radar citations are issued for speeding violations. These citations must meet certain conditions as outlined in the state's legislation. One of the key requirements is that the photo radar equipment is operated by a uniformed police officer, who is easily identifiable by their uniform. This officer must be present inside a marked police vehicle, which is clearly distinguishable from other vehicles on the road.

The presence of a uniformed police officer and a marked police vehicle is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the legitimacy and authority of the photo radar operation. The uniform and the marked vehicle clearly identify the officer as a representative of the law enforcement agency, providing assurance to citizens that the speed enforcement is being conducted officially and lawfully.

Secondly, the uniformed officer and the marked vehicle serve as a visible deterrent to speeding. When drivers see the police presence, they are more likely to slow down and adhere to the speed limit, knowing that they are being monitored and that there is a higher chance of getting caught if they break the law. This visible deterrent can help improve road safety and encourage drivers to be more cautious and compliant.

Additionally, having a uniformed officer operate the photo radar equipment adds a layer of accountability and oversight to the process. The officer is responsible for ensuring that the equipment is operated correctly, within the guidelines set by the manufacturer and the law. They must also document various factors, such as road and weather conditions, to provide accurate and admissible evidence in court if needed.

In Oregon, the legislation governing photo radar citations is detailed in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS). Specifically, ORS 810.439 outlines the conditions under which a citation for speeding based on photo radar can be issued. This statute includes the requirement for a uniformed police officer and a marked police vehicle, among other provisions.

In summary, the presence of a uniformed police officer and a marked police vehicle is a crucial aspect of photo radar citations in Oregon. It ensures the legitimacy of the operation, serves as a visual deterrent to speeding, and provides accountability and adherence to legal requirements. By following these protocols, Oregon aims to promote road safety, fair speed enforcement, and compliance with traffic laws.

Camera tickets can be beaten by proving someone else was driving

To fight a camera ticket, you must plead not guilty and request a formal hearing. You can do this by mail, online, or in traffic court. You must do this before the deadline, which is typically within 30 days of receiving the ticket.

At the hearing, you can argue that the prosecution cannot prove you were driving. If the photos included with the ticket are blurry or do not clearly show you driving, this may be a successful defence. You can also argue that the photo is inadmissible as hearsay, or object to its use for lack of foundation if no one from the company that maintains the camera shows up to testify.

In Oregon, there is a rebuttable presumption that the registered owner of the vehicle was the driver when the citation was issued. However, the owner can rebut this presumption by submitting a certificate of innocence swearing or affirming that they were not the driver and providing a photocopy of their driver's license. If the owner was not driving, they must also provide the name and contact information of the person who was driving.

Frequently asked questions